5 Must-Visit Places On The Costa Blanca In Spain

The Costa Blanca (White Coast) of Spain offers bustling cosmopolitan beach resorts to suit all tastes, including Alicante and Benidorm. However, the coastline also features traditional, Spanish vacation destinations on the beach, including Moraira. Modern travelers join the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, Carthaginians and Moors who found the coastline historically strategic. Meanwhile, each civilization has left behind proof of its presence, especially the Roman and Moorish ruins and cultural attractions along the coast. Let’s take a brief look at some of the must-visit places along the Costa Blanca in Spain.

1. Port city of Alicante, Spain

Alicante is the capital of the province of the same name and is a fishing port city on the Costa Blanca. Meanwhile, the city’s old town, Barrio de la Santa Cruz, dates back to the past, with its narrow, winding streets, colorful houses and, surprisingly, a lively nightlife scene.

While in the city, travelers can head up to the medieval Castillo de Santa Barbara. The castle nestles on a tall hilltop, overlooking the city, its many gorgeous beaches and the blue Mediterranean Sea. Energetic visitors can walk the steep climb up to the castle, while an elevator is also available to take you to the top.

2. Tourist City of Benidorm

Benidorm is a popular Spanish beach resort with visitors from all over Spain and Northern Europe. One of the main tourist destinations on the Costa Blanca, the city has endless, gorgeous beaches, all types of accommodation and excellent restaurants. Formerly a tiny fishing village, it has grown since the 1960s into a modern city, known for its lively nightlife. As for the beaches, the two main stretches of sand are Poniente Beach and Levante Beach, both of which are backed by palm-lined promenades with plenty of accessories and entertainment. With its modern skyscrapers, visitors shouldn’t expect a typical Spanish vibe here. The town has featured in the British TV drama series, Benidorm, and is known for its many British pubs.

3. Spanish fishing village of Calpe

Located in the perfect spot and accessible by the A7 motorway and the N332 from Valencia to Alicante is the former fishing village of Calpe. While the town has now grown into a popular tourist attraction, it still retains its many charms. Meanwhile, the town is overlooked by the Penon de Ifach, a huge limestone rock where birdlife thrives.

Beneath this lie the ruins of Pobla de Ifac, the original medieval walled city. Another historic site is the Roman Banos de la Reina, with its sea pools. Naturally, the town has idyllic beaches, including Arenal-Bol, lined with all tourist amenities and restaurants.

4. Historic village of Javea

Javea is a town in three parts – a fishing port, a beautiful beach and a quaint historic center. One thing visitors note right away is that there are no towering apartment blocks on the skyline. The small oceanside town initially became famous when rich tourists started visiting from Madrid and Valencia in the 1960s. At that time, the town imposed building restrictions. Those restrictions continue today, with no building allowed to be taller than the nearest palm tree.

Meanwhile, the locals are friendly and welcoming, and the restaurants serve delicious Valencian cuisine including the famous paella. Needless to say, the clean beaches are lapped by the blue Mediterranean Sea with all necessary amenities, perfect for a day or so chilling out on the beach.

5. Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca

Located around a 40-minute drive from Alicante, Javea isn’t your normal tourist Mecca but is a popular choice with Spaniards, who visit here every summer. This gives visitors the opportunity of visiting a traditional Spanish seaside town with all that this attracts. The restaurants serve tasty Valencian cuisine, including fresh, catch-of-the-day fish and seafood dishes.

Meanwhile, the beaches are perfect, are lapped by crystal clear Mediterranean waters, and are backed by busy promenades. Among Torrevieja’s attractions is the tiny Museo del Mar y de la Sal (museum of sea and salt), which records the town’s fishing and salt-mining history. For those looking for peace in nature, the Lagunas de la Mata-Torrevieja Nature Park is the perfect place to stroll the trails. What makes the park unique is that it boasts two salt lakes, one a lovely shade of pink (pictured above) while the other is green in color.

Take a tour of the Costa Blanca in Spain this summer, visiting these locations and more in between along the stunning coastal highway.

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